The bullpen was one of the early issues for the Los Angeles Angels this season and it cost them a number of games off of the jump. They would be looking at a far different record right now than 11-11 if they had gotten a better rhythm. This was clear since opening day when Shohei Ohtani recorded ten strikeouts but failed to get help after as the team allowed two runs en route to a loss.
However, they have been finding their footing lately. It hasn't been perfect and the likes of Jose Suarez and Jimmy Herget have been struggling with ERA's of 9.26 and 6.23 respectively.
But let's take a look at Andrew Wantz. He has only pitched in 10 innings so far but keep an eye on him every time he takes the mound moving forward as he has been electric so far into the 2023 campaign. He's allowed just three hits with one run and has also struck out 10 hitters. The Athletic's Sam Blum has labeled him as LA's best reliever right now.
"It would be hard for Wantz to get much better this season," said Blum. "The difference is a change in how he uses his fastball. Instead of the fastball being his most relied-upon option, it now works in a completely different way. He uses his fastball to get hitters off of his cutter and sweeper — and he uses the three pitches almost interchangeably."
"The result is almost no hard contact. His ground-ball percentage went up from 29.5 percent last year to 39.1 percent this year. Line drives are down from 23.3 percent to just 13 percent. The average exit velocity is down 6 mph."
"Wantz, who started the season as probably the last reliever on the roster, is turning into an invaluable part of a bullpen that has otherwise been unreliable." (Via The Athletic)
It's been great to see Wantz fill the void the bullpen has been leaving and give the fans some hope when it comes to that regard.
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